Only 3 Of 6 Candidates Will Survive Tuesday's Electoral Contest.

DANIA BEACH--After months of pounding the pavement, knocking on doors and hearing residents' concerns, City Commission candidates have reached the home stretch of their campaigns.

In two days, Dania Beach voters will go to the polls to decide who they want to fill the three open commission seats. And the six candidates who were selected in the Feb. 11 primary election are working hard to win them over.

Diversifying the City Commission, crime prevention, community and economic development are common campaign issues.

Robert Chunn, a march coordinator with the anti-drug group Turn Around Dania Beach, said he starts campaigning as soon as he leaves his welding job each day at 4 p.m.

"I'm still dirty and I'll walk," said Chunn, 52, who said his message to residents is simple: "I care about my city. I love children and I'm a drug fighter."

He said people who are intimidated by politicians and the election process seem to appreciate his working-class demeanor.

"It lets everyone in the city know that they can do this, too," said Chunn, who also sits on the city's Nuisance Abatement Board.

Lisa Young, the youngest candidate, said she also is knocking on doors and mailing campaign information. Before she tells people to vote for her, Young, 29, said she first encourages them simply to vote. Then, "I tell them I'm here to bring a new generation of representation," said Young, a paralegal in Fort Lauderdale and treasurer for several Dania Beach civic groups.

If elected, she would be one of the youngest commissioners in the city's history.

Former Mayor Bobbie Grace, 55, who received the most votes in the primary, said walking the streets "gives you the opportunity to know what people want."

Grace, who served on the commission from 1989 until she was unseated in 1997, is president of the Modello Park neighborhood association and has stayed active on civic boards.

Even though some have told her flatly that they won't vote for her, Grace said, "I got to know them and tell them some of my issues." These include upgrading blighted areas, establishing social and cultural arts programs, and resurrecting a bond issue to pay for various upgrades throughout the city.

Aside from knocking on doors and walking through neighborhoods, Patricia Flury, 64, said she got more acquainted with residents by organizing neighborhood gatherings.

"They are very small, comfortable and casual. And it gives people the real opportunity to know who you are," said Flury, former chairwoman of the Chamber of Commerce and a retired chief operating officer of Hollywood Memorial Healthcare Systems.

Although the two incumbents, Bob Mikes and John Etling, have different campaign strategies, both said they think voters are pleased with their work on the commission.

Both also said they are seeking re-election to carry out some unfinished business.

Etling, who was elected in 1997, said he kept the promises he made during his first campaign for office.

So far, Etling, 51, said he's been door to door in the southeast and northeast areas of the city. But this campaign, he said, people feel comfortable enough to call him at home with questions and voice their concerns.

"They see that as an opportunity to speak to not only a current official but someone they anticipate being a commissioner in the future," Etling said.

Mikes, 58, who was first elected in 1989, said he hasn't really had much time to campaign but nonetheless said residents support him because "I support neighborhoods."

Mikes also said residents and community activists encouraged him to run again because they consider him the "watchdog" of the commission.

"I have a good track record and I go to bat for every neighborhood in the city," he said.